PETERSFIELD TOWN 0, BARTON ROVERS 2

ANOTHER home defeat leaves Petersfield Town staring relegation in the face in the Evo-Stik Southern League Div I Central. The gap between themselves and third-from-bottom Beaconsfield now stretches to 11 points, the Rams having played two more games.

John Robson’s side hardly had a serious effort at goal as fifth-placed Barton Rovers strolled to one of their easiest wins of the season.

The Bedfordshire side didn’t exactly sparkle at Love Lane, but eased in front on the half-hour when Conor Calcutt seized on a half-clearance and picked his spot in the bottom corner.

Jamie Bray, who had already saved well from Lee Close, remained defiant in the home goal and used an outstretched leg to keep out a shot from Dan Hutchins.

But the visitors doubled their lead on 36 minutes. Petersfield made a hash of defending a corner and Calcutt scored with an unchallenged header.

Only 20 minutes remained when the Rams emerged as a threat, Alfy Whittingham curling in a shot that brought a juggling save from Tom Coulton.

But Barton sealed the points with another set-piece goal on 79 minutes. Tom Smith escaped his marker at a corner and although Bray got a hand to the firm header, he couldn’t keep the ball out of the net.

Whittingham shot straight at Coulton and the keeper made a fine double save from Nick Awford as Petersfield put in a belatedly strong finish.

l Petersfield recorded a welcome win at Love Lane on Tuesday night, beating Sydenhams League Division?One high-flyers Hamble Club 2-1 in the second round of the Russell Cotes Cup.

l Petersfield Town have signed a ground-breaking deal with Italian sportswear giants Kappa. The first of its kind for a non-League club, the Rams officially unveiled the new kit supplier and marketing partnership at Love Lane on Saturday.